Method and composition for delustering fabric



Patented Jan. 9, 1934 UNITED STATES- LIETHOD AND COIHPOSITION FOR DELUSTERING FABRIC Charles R. Weiss and Winton R. Bennett, Indianapolis, Ind.

No Drawing.

2 Claims.

Our invention relates to a new method and composition of matter in the form of a chemical solution for removing shine from, or delustering the surfaces of fabrics, and the like, which due to friction and wear have become objectionably glazed.

It is a well known fact that fabric garments and wearing apparel, due to wearing friction of exposed portions thereof, become glazed and shiny. The harder fabrics, of course, acquire such shine quite rapidly, and from the standpoint of appearance make the garment unusable long before suflicient wear has been given the garment. To prevent the premature discarding of clothing therefore, it is desirable that a cheap and efficient delustering composition be made available.

The primary object of our invention accordingly is to provide such a method and composition for removing fabric shine caused by wear.

Another object is to provide such a composition in the form of a chemical solution that will serve dually the purpose of a cleansing agent, and a means of raising a new nap on the surface of the fabric by causing a rupture of the surface fibers in the garment.

'Another object is to provide such a solution which is inexpensive and safe to handle, and which will not be objectionably odorous, nor injure the fabric to which it is applied.

Other objects will become apparent to those skilled in this art as the disclosure is fully made.

Our improved delustering method employs a solution made from ammonium acetate dissolved by means of any solvent, and particularly alcohol.

The solution or product is applied to the cloth, material, or clothing from which the shine, polish or glaze is to be removed, by means of a brush, sponge, or any other transferring device which will satisfactorily apply the solution or product. Experiments have shown that the salts mentioned, combining the action of ammonium and acidulous action from the acetate actually cause a temporary rupture or explosion of the surface fibers, thereby raising the fractured fiber ends to bring up a new nap, and thus removing the objectionable shine. This rupturing function has been borne out by a study of fabrics, treated with our solution, under a magnifying glass; said result without question being produced chemically and not by the rubbing action of the trans- Application September 19, 1932 Serial No. 633,849

ferring device heretofore mentioned. The solution also acts as a cleansing agent.

After the fabric has been treated with our solution and the garment is again worn, the shine does gradually re-appear, but not until after considerable wear. The fabric after a treatment is as completely delustered as a new fabric, and as shine reoccurs it can be subsequentlytreated, in the manner specified, as often as is necessary or desired, without in any way injuring the garment.

Obviously, the great advantage of the removal of the shine, polish or glaze from the cloth, material or clothing, is that it permits the use of the cloth, material or clothing for a longer period of time, which is an item of extreme economicimportance, particularly to the wearers of clothing, which would embrace men's suits, women's suits, topcoats or overcoats of any description, and children's garments.

Of course, the solution will be compounded in such proportions or strengths as will best produce the desired result.

Another important advantage results from the use of ammonium acetate. We have found that this is the only salt of this acid which volatilizes when subjected to heat. Thus, when a garment has been treated by our method and composition, and it is desired to press the garment, the heat brought about bythe pressing appliance dissipates the solution applied to the fabric by volatilization, and consequently no residue remains in or on the garment which would mar, or otherwise ,change the proper appearance of the fabric.

What we claim as new is:

1. The method of delustering shiny fabric and the like, which comprises applying a solution of alcohol and dissolved ammonium acetate to the fabric.

2. A delustering agent for removing shine from fabrics, said agent comprising ammonium acetate dissolved in alcohol.

CHARLES R. WEISS. WINTON R. BENNETT. 

